buildmvp.com
  • Overview
  • Our approach to this guide
  • Problem
    • Think global, act local
    • Know your industry
    • Don't bet on dying markets
    • Find an underserved market
    • Choose a niche
    • One problem at a time
    • Write your problem statement
    • What's product-market fit?
  • Solution
    • Use what already exists
    • Solve for one customer first
    • Describe how you solve
    • Don't build software
    • Go for concierge service
    • Automate little by little
  • Scope
    • Split into pieces
    • Prioritize wisely
    • Move incrementally
  • Build
    • Connect existing tools
    • Use open source
    • Use no code
    • Pro-coding as the last option
  • Team up
    • Have a tech advisor besides you
    • Learn software development basics
    • Have a tech co-founder (if possible)
    • Be a part of the community
  • Miscellaneous
    • Why startups fail
      • Failure stories
    • Why you finally succeed
      • Success stories
  • Resources
    • Startup ecosystem
    • Education
    • Tools
    • Tech advisors
    • Q&N
    • Committers
Powered by GitBook
On this page
  • Key Components
  • Writing Tips
  • Example Structure
  1. Problem

Write your problem statement

It is a paragraph of text that explains to you and others what problem you are trying to solve (that one smallest problem for a niche you chose on an underserved market you found).

Every word in this statement is important because basically it is a specification for a "solution designer" who would create a solution based on it. You change one single word in your problem statement and a solution can change.


A problem statement is a concise description of the issue you're addressing, serving as a foundation for your startup's mission. Here's how to create a powerful problem statement:

Key Components

  1. Target Audience: Clearly identify who is experiencing the problem.

  2. Specific Issue: Describe the exact challenge or pain point.

  3. Context: Provide relevant background information.

  4. Impact: Explain the consequences of the unsolved problem.

  5. Urgency: Convey why this problem needs immediate attention.

Writing Tips

  1. Be Specific: Avoid vague language; use concrete terms.

  2. Use Data: Include relevant statistics or metrics when possible.

  3. Keep it Concise: Aim for 2-3 sentences or about 50 words.

  4. Avoid Solutions: Focus solely on describing the problem.

  5. Use Present Tense: Frame the issue as an ongoing challenge.

Example Structure

"[Target audience] is experiencing [specific issue] in [context], resulting in [impact]. This problem [urgency statement]."

Remember, every word in your problem statement shapes the direction of your solution. Carefully consider each term to ensure it accurately represents the core issue you're addressing.

PreviousOne problem at a timeNextWhat's product-market fit?

Last updated 3 months ago